Scott Air Base Won’t Get New Refueling Tankers

MASCOUTAH, Ill. (KMOX) – Scott Air Force Base will not be considered as the main operating base for the Air Force’s refueling tanker.

Congressman John Shimkus said he is disappointed in the decision. He said although he would like to see the base take on more duties, he feels with Scott’s other duties, which include housing the Transportation Command, that it will continue to play a major role in the nation’s defense.

The joint Illinois and Missouri delegation will review the details surrounding the Air Force’s decision. Senator Kirk said there is still a possibility that Scott Air Force base could be considered for later duties that involved the tanker.

The KC-46 tanker is the next generation of air refueling tankers, and its anticipated that 400 of them will be made.

Word tonight is that the first of the planes will be based at Fairchild Air Force Base near Spokane, Washington. Some $400 million was invested in that base’s infrastructure over several decades.